This article explores a relevant problem of implementation of innovative approaches in the sphere of landscape engineering applicable to reconstruction of city waterfront areas, namely in the large cities. The author reviews the example of realization of the project modern waterfront areas, which considered the indicated factors and engineering principles. On the example of Magnitogorsk, the author examines the modern functional and planning pattern, as well as the quality of shelf territories with determination of the prospects of their transformation, taking into account the principles of landscape urbanism and formation of the single ecological-recreational framework. The method of sampling allowed defining the promising vectors in improvement of aesthetic qualities of a city waterfront area and its safety for all population groups that actively use urban recreational environment. The article underlines the advantages and disadvantages of the conducted reconstruction of a section of the Ural River embankment, and prospects of its further reconstruction considering the concepts of landscape urbanism and eco-city. The following conclusion were made: 1) landscape approach ensured the essential geographic connectedness of the territory, protect city systems from natural disasters (storms, floods, etc.); 2) restoration and reconstruction of shelf area of the Ural River would allow to not only form a unified recreational space and water recreational framework for the purpose of sustainable development of the territory, but also protect the territory from waterlogging; 3) landscape urbanism would contribute to wellness and ecological comfort of the population.